diatom

American  

[dahy-uh-tuhm, -tom] / ˈdaɪ ə təm, -ˌtɒm /

noun

1. any of numerous microscopic, unicellular, marine or freshwater algae of the phylum Chrysophyta, having cell walls containing silica.

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diatom British  

/ -ˌtɒm, ˈdaɪətəm /

noun

1. any microscopic unicellular alga of the phylum Bacillariophyta , occurring in marine or fresh water singly or in colonies, each cell having a cell wall made of two halves and impregnated with silica See also diatomite

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diatom Scientific  

/ dī′ə-tŏm′ /

1. Any of various one-celled aquatic organisms of the class Bacillariophyceae that have hard bivalve shells (called frustules) composed mostly of silica, can perform photosynthesis, and often live in colonies. They make up a large portion of the marine plankton and are an important food source for many aquatic animals. The skeletal remains of diatoms are the main constituent of diatomite.

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Etymology

Origin of diatom

1835–45; < New Latin Diatoma originally a genus name, feminine noun based on Greek diátomos cut in two. See dia-, -tome

Example Sentences

Having finally worked out the identity of the missing nitrogen fixer, they focused their attention on working out how the bacteria and diatom live in partnership.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2024

Maussan says that the pair of mummified aliens were discovered in a diatom mine in Cusco, Peru.

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2023

Skoon cat litter $28 Absorbent cat litter made of diatom pebbles.

From The Verge • Mar. 26, 2022

By expelling a stream of mucopolysaccharides from the raphe, the diatom can attach to surfaces or propel itself in one direction.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

If this be regular feeding throughout, the diatom or vegetable is essentially the base of all.

From Scott's Last Expedition Volume I by Scott, Robert Falcon